Missouri Governor declares State of Emergency, National Guard to assist during possible unrest

As Ferguson residents and the rest of the world await the decision of the grand jury on whether or not Darren Wilson will be charged for the killing of Michael Brown, tensions are rising with a breaking decision from the governor’s office.

The National Guard will assist law enforcement if any unrest should occur following the grand jury decision of whether or not to charge police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of teenager Michael Brown. On Monday, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon declared a State of Emergency in Missouri. He signed an executive order saying, “the Guard will provide support for law enforcement’s objectives of maintaining safety and protecting constitutional rights.” reports Fox2

The order also says the Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Louis County Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will operate as a unified command. The St. Louis County Police Department will have command and operational control over security in the city of Ferguson in areas of protests and acts of civil disobedience, should such activities occur.